Page:The Works of the Reverend George Whitefield, M.A. (1771 Vol 1).djvu/24

 ten thousand thanks for those innumerable favours conferred on me at your house? I trust they are all registered in the court of heaven, and will in due time meet with a suitable return from my all-gracious and good benefactor. Next to this, I imagine you will enquire, how I like Bristol? As for the place itself, that, like all others, is indifferent to me, who have here no continuing city, but seek one to come; and as for the inhabitants, tho' they teach me nothing else, yet I may learn this one important lesson, that unless I am very vigilant, the children of this world, will be much wiser in their generation, than I, who, by the grace of, hope am a child of light. Alas! was I half so solicitous to attain heavenly, as they are worldly riches, I should be rich indeed. That you all may be rich towards, is the hearty prayer of, dear Sir, Your very unworthy,

but sincere friend and humble servant, G. W.    LETTER X.  To the Same.

Dear Sir,        Oxon, March 13, 1736.

I Have now but just time to acquaint you, that gave me a pleasant and safe journey, and what was still a greater blessing, a joyful meeting with my zealous, hearty, sincere friends. The alderman bore my expences, and was very agreeable company; so that on all accounts I have great reason to thank my good and gracious, and to beg others to join with me in that important, that delightful duty. You will not forget retaining your old custom of reading and singing. It's bad to leave off a good custom, and the best way to make a progress in religion, is to persist in, and to improve on the means we enjoy. I suppose honest James by this time is with you. My hearty love to him, and tell him, it would do his heart good to see what a number of true altogether christians here are of his rank. I hope he will let none of them outstrip him: He must watch and pray against self-indulgence, sloth, &c. especially if he goes to a place where plenty of all things abound. My